A review of the music and intellectual disability literature (1943–2006): part one—descriptive and philosophical writing

There is a long tradition of writing that considers how individuals with an intellectual disability respond to, and are affected by music. This paper, which examines descriptive and philosophical literature, discusses surveys that consider client responses, methodological issues, and music therapy provision; reports that provide general accounts of work settings and music therapy programmes; and case studies that illustrate the potential benefits of improvisation, Music Activity Therapy, and receptive music interventions. Finally, this paper identifies philosophical writing that is underpinned by the desire to promote music as a viable and credible treatment option for individuals with an intellectual disability. This paper not only considers clinical practice by directing readers towards examples from the extant literature that identify outcomes, but it also reflects on the relative strengths, and weaknesses, of the different methods of enquiry.